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From the Ashes
“We never wish for tragedy and we try to avoid it at all costs, but sometimes beauty can come from the ashes that are left behind.”
Sara has been torn apart by grief and loss, she’s picked herself up and carried on, only to be torn apart all over again.
This time, she can’t afford to fall apart because she’s been left as the legal guardian to her seven year old niece, Andi.
Maybe this is her chance to rise above the weight of grief that’s pulling her down and find her true self amongst the ashes.
Of course, Jack is always there, always waiting to help her and to love her, if only she’ll let him.
Jack Turner has been waiting for the last seven years for her to give him a chance. Now he’s recruiting everyone in town to help him woo the formidable Sara Ryan.
Can he convince her there’s more to life than obligations?
Can she be everything Andi needs, stay true to herself and still be there for the people she loves?
“Everyone says, grief is love, but if they’d felt this grief, they wouldn’t all just walk blindly into love.”
Sara has been torn apart by grief and loss, she’s picked herself up and carried on, only to be torn apart all over again.
This time, she can’t afford to fall apart because she’s been left as the legal guardian to her seven year old niece, Andi.
Maybe this is her chance to rise above the weight of grief that’s pulling her down and find her true self amongst the ashes.
Of course, Jack is always there, always waiting to help her and to love her, if only she’ll let him.
Jack Turner has been waiting for the last seven years for her to give him a chance. Now he’s recruiting everyone in town to help him woo the formidable Sara Ryan.
Can he convince her there’s more to life than obligations?
Can she be everything Andi needs, stay true to herself and still be there for the people she loves?
“Everyone says, grief is love, but if they’d felt this grief, they wouldn’t all just walk blindly into love.”
- GenresRomance
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2024
3 ⭐️
First Sara lost her sister, now her brother-in-law is gone too, but this time she can't break down, she has her niece, Andi, to take care of. Jack has loved Sara for 7 years and has only wanted to be there for her, but she always pushes him away. Jack has had enough, he wants to be there for Andi and Sara, but can he, with the help of their family, convince Sara their love is worth it?
From The Ashes is an emotional journey to say the least. Based on this book and the first one, One Life to Live, it's safe to say Athena likes to punch you in the face with feelings lol. This book took me a little while to get into, but from the 55% I was sucked in and couldn't put it down! It did feel like it ended a few times and that maybe some of the last couple chapters should have been an epilogue instead, but overall, I really enjoyed it! Plus Jack is just 😍
If you like emotional reads, then you need to read this series!! I can tell that Noah's book (which we better be getting) is going to be one hell of a journey and I can't wait!
First Sara lost her sister, now her brother-in-law is gone too, but this time she can't break down, she has her niece, Andi, to take care of. Jack has loved Sara for 7 years and has only wanted to be there for her, but she always pushes him away. Jack has had enough, he wants to be there for Andi and Sara, but can he, with the help of their family, convince Sara their love is worth it?
From The Ashes is an emotional journey to say the least. Based on this book and the first one, One Life to Live, it's safe to say Athena likes to punch you in the face with feelings lol. This book took me a little while to get into, but from the 55% I was sucked in and couldn't put it down! It did feel like it ended a few times and that maybe some of the last couple chapters should have been an epilogue instead, but overall, I really enjoyed it! Plus Jack is just 😍
If you like emotional reads, then you need to read this series!! I can tell that Noah's book (which we better be getting) is going to be one hell of a journey and I can't wait!
March 5, 2024
*arc review*
This story is wholesome and beautiful and a testament to love and healing.
In a continuation in the same world as One Life to Live we get to follow the story of Sarah and Jack.
Sarah is a prickly character, having been beaten down by grief and loss her entire life and Jack is a sunshine of a man with a bit of a savior complex and a sweet spot for Sarah.
This book trails them over a longer period of time and shows the power of patience and about the journey that loss can take a person through. There are so many ways to deal with loss and Sarah is such a great example of someone who has become hardened by it. This book follows her journey on discovering softness and vulnerability again.
This story is sweet and kind with a little bit of drama to up the ante. You can see set ups for future story lines in the same world which I am really excited about. I loved Andi and getting to know her more in this book too. She's a sweet little character.
I love this world and how kind and sweet all the characters are to each other. In a perfect world I would have friends like Jenna and Sarah, Kristen and Sherri. I would have buddies in Noah for sure.
Overall a very strong second novel in the series!
This story is wholesome and beautiful and a testament to love and healing.
In a continuation in the same world as One Life to Live we get to follow the story of Sarah and Jack.
Sarah is a prickly character, having been beaten down by grief and loss her entire life and Jack is a sunshine of a man with a bit of a savior complex and a sweet spot for Sarah.
This book trails them over a longer period of time and shows the power of patience and about the journey that loss can take a person through. There are so many ways to deal with loss and Sarah is such a great example of someone who has become hardened by it. This book follows her journey on discovering softness and vulnerability again.
This story is sweet and kind with a little bit of drama to up the ante. You can see set ups for future story lines in the same world which I am really excited about. I loved Andi and getting to know her more in this book too. She's a sweet little character.
I love this world and how kind and sweet all the characters are to each other. In a perfect world I would have friends like Jenna and Sarah, Kristen and Sherri. I would have buddies in Noah for sure.
Overall a very strong second novel in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
Huge thanks to Athena for kindly gifting me an ARC of this book ahead of release.
I recently read book 1 in the Balsam River series and I instantly fell in love with the characters. As soon as I discovered a second book was on the way I knew I wanted to read it!
From the Ashes, is so fast paced and absorbing that I read it in one day. It gives everything! Small town romance, friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and a personal favourite of mine just lately - set in Canada 🤣😂.
Athena has such a way with words when approaching tender topics, and she really manages to create a significant empathetic connection with the reader. I really enjoyed Sara and Jacks story, and ADORED getting to know Andi a little bit more.
There were multiple times throughout this books when I read something (usually something narrated by Sara’s bothers!) and I thought to myself ‘that is so true!’. This is a captivating, thought-provoking, beautiful read.
Thank you again Athena, I can’t wait for book 3 🥹💕.
Ps - the significance of the cover art has me a IN A CHOKEHOLD 😮💨♥️
I recently read book 1 in the Balsam River series and I instantly fell in love with the characters. As soon as I discovered a second book was on the way I knew I wanted to read it!
From the Ashes, is so fast paced and absorbing that I read it in one day. It gives everything! Small town romance, friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and a personal favourite of mine just lately - set in Canada 🤣😂.
Athena has such a way with words when approaching tender topics, and she really manages to create a significant empathetic connection with the reader. I really enjoyed Sara and Jacks story, and ADORED getting to know Andi a little bit more.
There were multiple times throughout this books when I read something (usually something narrated by Sara’s bothers!) and I thought to myself ‘that is so true!’. This is a captivating, thought-provoking, beautiful read.
Thank you again Athena, I can’t wait for book 3 🥹💕.
Ps - the significance of the cover art has me a IN A CHOKEHOLD 😮💨♥️
April 30, 2024
Huge thanks to Athena for my first ARC. This story is filled with pages of grief and hope. From losing a sister, a brother in law walking away and a sunshine Man (Jack)to bring love/belonging back into their world. I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy read. I will say I gravitated towards loving Andi and Jack more than the FMC but other than that I highly recommend this book.
My favorite quote is " I've known pain and loss and I thought I could navigate hers..."
My favorite quote is " I've known pain and loss and I thought I could navigate hers..."
May 1, 2024
Absolutely relatable story with well-planned characters that have tangible growth throughout the book. The way the plot unfolds is beautifully written and brings out varying emotions. I’d highly recommend reading this!!
May 4, 2024
Topics throughout the book are:
🌲Grumpy-sunshine
🩶small town romance
🕊️slow burn
🌲dual POVs
🩶 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🕊️grief/healing
Summary🌲🩶🕊️:
Sara Ryan has had a hard time finding herself after the unexpected loss of her sister (best friend), to becoming a guardian for her niece Andi, after the death of her brother in law four years later. She was stretched out thin trying to manage her grief while taking care of her niece and maintaining her job as a writer, at the local newspaper, which made her unhappy. Sara was coping with her grief by putting up walls to protect her heart from losing anyone that is close to her. She even pushes Jack Turner away, a close family friend, who also suffered a tragic loss, at the young age of five, when his mother unexpectedly passed away. Jack, who owns a Christmas tree farm, is known to help anyone in need in Balsam River, in Northern Ontario. He can read Sara better than anyone, he always shows up, and patiently waits for her to accept him and his help. Will Sara let her walls down to let Jack in? Or will another tragedy strike and close her heart to happiness? Read to find out!
I would like to thank Athena Barnim, a Canadian author from my Province of Ontario, for providing me the opportunity to read her ARC in exchange for my honest review! This is a small-town romance novel that brings to light how grief affects people in different ways and the journey it takes to heal. Grief is a strange thing, it comes in waves and unexpected, but most times you remember the good memories of the people you love. The MFC feels a void after the loss of her sister, she misses her terribly and puts up these walls for fear of losing someone close to her again. Sara is relatable while working through her grief. However, everyone needs a Jack in their life, he is a true gentleman and more. He is understanding, loveable, genuine and waits patiently for Sara to let him in. Andi was also the joy this book needed. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions from being sad to happy and laughing with some of the banter. If you want some comfort, I recommend you pick up this book!
🌲Grumpy-sunshine
🩶small town romance
🕊️slow burn
🌲dual POVs
🩶 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🕊️grief/healing
Summary🌲🩶🕊️:
Sara Ryan has had a hard time finding herself after the unexpected loss of her sister (best friend), to becoming a guardian for her niece Andi, after the death of her brother in law four years later. She was stretched out thin trying to manage her grief while taking care of her niece and maintaining her job as a writer, at the local newspaper, which made her unhappy. Sara was coping with her grief by putting up walls to protect her heart from losing anyone that is close to her. She even pushes Jack Turner away, a close family friend, who also suffered a tragic loss, at the young age of five, when his mother unexpectedly passed away. Jack, who owns a Christmas tree farm, is known to help anyone in need in Balsam River, in Northern Ontario. He can read Sara better than anyone, he always shows up, and patiently waits for her to accept him and his help. Will Sara let her walls down to let Jack in? Or will another tragedy strike and close her heart to happiness? Read to find out!
I would like to thank Athena Barnim, a Canadian author from my Province of Ontario, for providing me the opportunity to read her ARC in exchange for my honest review! This is a small-town romance novel that brings to light how grief affects people in different ways and the journey it takes to heal. Grief is a strange thing, it comes in waves and unexpected, but most times you remember the good memories of the people you love. The MFC feels a void after the loss of her sister, she misses her terribly and puts up these walls for fear of losing someone close to her again. Sara is relatable while working through her grief. However, everyone needs a Jack in their life, he is a true gentleman and more. He is understanding, loveable, genuine and waits patiently for Sara to let him in. Andi was also the joy this book needed. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions from being sad to happy and laughing with some of the banter. If you want some comfort, I recommend you pick up this book!
May 4, 2024
I was initially drawn to the cover of this book, Iris is very near and dear to my heart. They were one of my mother's favorite flowers. I chose to want to read once I read the summary about Sara the main character was learning how to navigate the loss of her sister. Right there I knew I needed to read this because I have been there with losing my mom. Throughout the story, Sara learns healthy ways to deal with pain and not push people away. Then enter Jack the main male character who wants to be there for Sara no matter how much she pushes him away. I wish I could meet a guy with a personality like Jack who simply wants to be there for you no matter how awful you are treating them. Overall the flow of the sorry was good and easy to follow. I enjoyed all the side characters and how they contribute to the story. I will be honest when I picked up this book to read I had no idea that it is book two of a series. With that said I do believe that you can read it as a stand-alone. I do plan to read the first one. I plan to keep an eye on this author to see what else she has in store.
May 1, 2024
Looking for a book that will make your heart feel full to the brim while also making you want to cry? THIS. BOOK. WILL. DO. THAT!!!
I loved every single moment in From The Ashes. Sara and Jack suffer through so much, losing family members that they love, and dealing with all the trauma and heartbreak that comes along with that. Sara isolates herself, while Jack prioritises other people and helping them over himself. I loved how much he kept trying to help and support Sara consistently through the book, and really cemented the reverse grumpy x sunshine (although I felt Sara’s “grumpiness” was very valid given all the was struggling with).
The growth and development Sara went through was so inspiring, and the emphasis Athena put on her being the one to help herself, and she fixed herself, with the support of others, was incredible
I loved every single moment in From The Ashes. Sara and Jack suffer through so much, losing family members that they love, and dealing with all the trauma and heartbreak that comes along with that. Sara isolates herself, while Jack prioritises other people and helping them over himself. I loved how much he kept trying to help and support Sara consistently through the book, and really cemented the reverse grumpy x sunshine (although I felt Sara’s “grumpiness” was very valid given all the was struggling with).
The growth and development Sara went through was so inspiring, and the emphasis Athena put on her being the one to help herself, and she fixed herself, with the support of others, was incredible
April 21, 2024
Calling all Virgin River fans! This book I couldn’t put down, finished in two days and found it completely irresistible. It’s wholesome, small town feels will make you want to pack your bags and move there immediately. The grief stricken characters are something we all strive to be, filled with integrity, virtue and support systems for one another. Mixed in with this love story are moments of hilarious mishaps, an adorable little girl who effortlessly brings smiles to everyone’s faces and a beautiful farm setting you will be dreaming about. The acknowledgments and authors bio at the end truly put this book into perspective and shed a new light on its meaning, nothing but love for this!
August 14, 2024
My gosh do I adore Jack! He is the sweetest, most patient, adoring character ever. May we all be loved by someone as wonderful as Jack in our lifetimes. I really enjoyed the journey Sara and Jack went through as they both learned to let their walls down for each other. Sara to let someone share the burden of grief and for Jack to lean on someone during the hard times and know he is enough.
“Grief is too heavy to carry alone. We aren’t made to withstand it that way. We might think it’s better at the time but it’s so much lighter if you share it with those around you.” Boy does that resonate with me and my own journey with grief.
Cannot wait for Noah’s story!
“Grief is too heavy to carry alone. We aren’t made to withstand it that way. We might think it’s better at the time but it’s so much lighter if you share it with those around you.” Boy does that resonate with me and my own journey with grief.
Cannot wait for Noah’s story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
Sara is a somewhat defensive character. She deals with her grief by shutting out those who care about her. But Jack always tries to stick around. He constantly encourages and supports Sara and her new ward Andi.
This book punches you in the guts with all the emotions that fly at you. The way grief is portrayed in not just the main character but also the side characters and how it influences their parts in the story.
From the Ashes explores loyalty, perseverance, forgiveness, grief, healing, acceptance and family.
Very emotional.
It contains mention of the death of a sibling.
4.70/5
This book punches you in the guts with all the emotions that fly at you. The way grief is portrayed in not just the main character but also the side characters and how it influences their parts in the story.
From the Ashes explores loyalty, perseverance, forgiveness, grief, healing, acceptance and family.
Very emotional.
It contains mention of the death of a sibling.
4.70/5
April 11, 2025
This is a Hallmark classic with the extra heartache and emotion because we get so much more from the characters.
A family with a close bond is navigating grief on all fronts and finds support from each other and the tight knit community they call home. The small town romance will have you laughing, crying and wanting to shake the characters who are receiving so much love, but it gets lots in their own tidal wave of emotions.
Get out the tissues for that ending. That little found family pulled at heart strings I didn’t even know I had 😭
A family with a close bond is navigating grief on all fronts and finds support from each other and the tight knit community they call home. The small town romance will have you laughing, crying and wanting to shake the characters who are receiving so much love, but it gets lots in their own tidal wave of emotions.
Get out the tissues for that ending. That little found family pulled at heart strings I didn’t even know I had 😭
April 21, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I liked the synopsis, plot, main themes and MMC, this book fell flat for me. I didn't get enough of a picture of the FMC to actually like her. The relationship didn't seem solid enough, and I didn't understand why Jack was in love with Sara.
I think the author worked very hard at diving into the various ways we show grief, and I loved that the book was set in Ontario, Canada.
While I liked the synopsis, plot, main themes and MMC, this book fell flat for me. I didn't get enough of a picture of the FMC to actually like her. The relationship didn't seem solid enough, and I didn't understand why Jack was in love with Sara.
I think the author worked very hard at diving into the various ways we show grief, and I loved that the book was set in Ontario, Canada.
April 22, 2024
This book was absolutely beautiful. If you want a realistic love story while still reading fiction, 'From the Ashes' is it! Athena covered the heavy topic of grief absolutely brilliantly! Not to mention, the cover is probably one of my favorite book covers ever...simply gorgeous. Jack and Sara's love story will always hold a place in my heart.
"She doesn't even know the whole world stops and stares when she smiles."
"She doesn't even know the whole world stops and stares when she smiles."
May 1, 2024
A tale of loss and grieving and rising from the ashes. This is a wholesome, friends to lovers, dual pov, small town closed door romance that stems from tragedy and is a wonderful tribute to Athena’s sister and her life.
I enjoyed the character development- they’re easy to relate to connect with, especially with some of the themes that cropped up. It definitely took me on an emotional journey at times too.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶️/5
I enjoyed the character development- they’re easy to relate to connect with, especially with some of the themes that cropped up. It definitely took me on an emotional journey at times too.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶️/5
June 1, 2024
I really adored this book, It’s the second in the series and I honestly loved it just as much as the first.
It is a sweet romance that dealt with overcoming Grief/loss.
I loved all the characters, especially Jack(the MMC) He was SO patient and caring. Sara and him were perfect for one another and I loved their story.
The ending was perfect 🩷 100% recommend!!
Read if you like:
🪻Small town romance
🪻overcoming grief/loss
🪻Brothers friend
It is a sweet romance that dealt with overcoming Grief/loss.
I loved all the characters, especially Jack(the MMC) He was SO patient and caring. Sara and him were perfect for one another and I loved their story.
The ending was perfect 🩷 100% recommend!!
Read if you like:
🪻Small town romance
🪻overcoming grief/loss
🪻Brothers friend
September 19, 2024
This was a beautiful book. A little strange with the timeline at first because it jumps back to before the first book, but once it got going, it had me hooked.
Jack is an amazing character and the way he looks after both Sara and Andi before letting them in is so well written.
Just brilliant - I highly recommend this one!
Jack is an amazing character and the way he looks after both Sara and Andi before letting them in is so well written.
Just brilliant - I highly recommend this one!
April 26, 2024
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I thought I loved Athena’s first book but this one somehow topped it!! The character complexity, the depth of the issues combined with the lighthearted love … it was all so beautifully balanced and authentic. This is a MUST READ!!!
May 15, 2024
I loved this book! All most as much as I loved One Life To Live. If you like small town romance you should definitely read this book!
October 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ full review coming later in the week
September 17, 2024
Again, loved this so much! Love this small town & characters. Broke me again!
February 20, 2025
I got an ARC of this book and I had a lot of positive thoughts about it!
The authors background definitely explains her reasoning for the book and what it all portrays. I didn't read the first book in the series as it is more angsty and that is not my favorite kind of book.
Jack and Sara had such a long journey and while I loved their story I did agree with Noah when he got mad at Sara for letting Jack pine for so long. I mean 7 years is a long time to wait for someone who treats you indifferently. But once Jack was able to get through to her and when Sara could see that Andi is stronger and more observant than she realized that she was able to relax and be taken care of. It was such a beautiful closed door romance, and I truly enjoyed the side characters. I constantly wanted to change Kristen and Sara's minds about Charlie! My sweet little angel I hope he finds peace. I have a feeling the next book will be Kristen and Noah which I am ALL here for!!! That might be some angst I can get behind because they both hurt each other over things that were out of the others true control. I really liked seeing Liam and Jenna's relationship without the first book and knowing the basis of their story it sounds like they got through a lot to get here. I do wonder how Sherri is going to fit into the mix of it all but I truly hope Kristen and Noah get a chance. Jack and Sera fought real battles for themselves and the others around them which made their lives so intertwined. I can't wait for the next book!!
The authors background definitely explains her reasoning for the book and what it all portrays. I didn't read the first book in the series as it is more angsty and that is not my favorite kind of book.
Jack and Sara had such a long journey and while I loved their story I did agree with Noah when he got mad at Sara for letting Jack pine for so long. I mean 7 years is a long time to wait for someone who treats you indifferently. But once Jack was able to get through to her and when Sara could see that Andi is stronger and more observant than she realized that she was able to relax and be taken care of. It was such a beautiful closed door romance, and I truly enjoyed the side characters. I constantly wanted to change Kristen and Sara's minds about Charlie! My sweet little angel I hope he finds peace. I have a feeling the next book will be Kristen and Noah which I am ALL here for!!! That might be some angst I can get behind because they both hurt each other over things that were out of the others true control. I really liked seeing Liam and Jenna's relationship without the first book and knowing the basis of their story it sounds like they got through a lot to get here. I do wonder how Sherri is going to fit into the mix of it all but I truly hope Kristen and Noah get a chance. Jack and Sera fought real battles for themselves and the others around them which made their lives so intertwined. I can't wait for the next book!!
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